Need another word for Distract? Use these synonyms of Distract from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
divert
distract
sidetrack
deflect
deviate
stray
wander
drift
veer
swerve
shift
divert attention
disrupt
interrupt
disturb
bother
annoy
vex
harass
pester
plague
trouble
irritate
frustrate
confuse
perplex
bewilder
disconcert
unsettle
ruffle
fluster
perplex
confound
bemuse
beguile
mislead
deceive
delude
dupe
Meaning of Distract
According to Merriam-Webster, "distract" means to draw or direct (someone's attention) away from something, or to disturb or trouble (someone) so that they cannot think clearly or pay attention.
Definitions
- The Cambridge Dictionary defines "distract" as to take someone's attention away from something, or to stop someone from thinking or concentrating.
- The Oxford Dictionary states that "distract" means to divert someone's attention away from something, or to disturb or interrupt someone's thoughts or activities.
Example Uses
- The noise from the construction site began to distract me from my work, so I had to find a quieter place to focus.
- She tried to distract her brother from his sadness by suggesting they watch a funny movie together.
- The teacher asked the students to put away their phones to avoid distractions during the exam.
- The beautiful scenery on the drive distracted me from the long hours of traveling.
- The politician's gaffe distracted from the real issues in the debate.